As to reloading, my Dad is actually considering getting a press to do 9 and .380. I currently have a press for my shotgun, although I'm just now getting components for it...didn't have any problem ordering most of the stuff online, but most stores were low on powder.

It's not relevant how often these calibers are mentioned in any caliber wars, then dismiss them if you think they're mentioned too often. If your goal is to get a slightly odd caliber to augment your current pistols, then a simple barrel swap will do that pretty well.

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I see your point. However, it is relevant in that I already know about these two (.357 sig and 10mm specifically), so going over those again in this thread would be redundant.

One can argue the merits of only having to stock for a couple calibers to perform your given chores, but another argument is to expand your calibers, since you're more likely to be able to find something you can use in times when ammo is hard to find....kinda like now.

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I used to argue those merits. Unfortunately one of those merits is price, which is a big factor for me.

Of the common uncommon rounds, the one that stands out around here is .38 Super. Seems to be available at all the non-Walmart ammo distributers, and the brass, bullets and dies are readily available at the reloading stores I go to. Because it's a common conversion for the 1911, it's IMHO the best answer to your question.

Lots of other cool conversion calibers out there, but most are to a very uncommon round. If it's hard to find on a normal day, it's still hard to find in a panic.

I think reloading is really the answer. Because powder, and primers carry from one round to the next, it's very easy to CYA on many calibers for less. With small primer .45 brass being more and more common, small pistol primers and a jug of powder can be extremely versatile. Most pistol charges are very light, so 8lbs goes a looong way, if you store your components as components, you can easily make whatever you want to shoot, as you need to shoot it.

Converting a .45 caliber 1911 to .38 Super is not the easy task that dropping a .357 Sig or 9mm barrel into many .40 weapons is. The 1911 requires either a 9mm or .38 Super slide, .38 Super barrel, mag, and replacing the EJECTOR on the frame to accomplish the task of changeover. A bit more expensive and complex. However, a .38 Super barrel CAN be installed in most 10mm 1911's and 9mm 1911's with little effort or modification, as they use similar ejectors to the .38 super, and often work "as is".

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